In the midst of rapid modernisation and technological advancement, pockets of society still linger in a bygone era reminiscent of the early 1900s. These communities, isolated from progress, continue to grapple with the most basic necessities and amenities that many take for granted. Despite their perseverance, they often find themselves at a standstill, unable to access the resources needed for a better quality of life. Even when they manage to secure some level of infrastructure, it falls short of their needs, as the gap between their realities and the expectations of contemporary living widens. In nearly every corner of the globe, one can find remote regions or villages where impoverished and marginalised communities reside.
Among the regions facing these challenges are the tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa too. Formerly known as FATA, these areas were integrated into the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in 2018 with the aim of getting equal facilities and opportunities to uplift the living standards of the local populace. However, the post-merger reality has not lived up to their expectations. These tribal areas continue to grapple with the absence of basic necessities such as clean and facilitated system of water, better education, clean roads and streets, hospitals and list of such facilities goes on. So the local population hindering their efforts to attain a standard of living commensurate with their aspirations.
To be specific, if we highlight the issue, so the people of Kurram, Khyber, Orakzai and other tribal areas are immensely struggling for getting clean water for their daily use. They are deprived of modern way of water supply. These denizens of the tribal region continue to embark on lengthy journeys to access portable water from the communal government wells situated within the village.
Khayal Zaman Orakzai, an active social activist from Kurram while giving interview to The Wayward said that in Kurram district a prevalent custom of fetching water from traditional wells still exist in this era of advancement and technology, and the very harsh and indigestible reality is that this tough task is predominantly shouldered by women and children, as the men of tribal areas don’t go to fetch water, considering it against their male ego. This arduous chore leads to considerable hardship for the women, particularly during the sweltering evenings of summer and the frosty mornings of winter. These distant wells pose not only physical strain but also a danger, as there is a constant risk of children and animals falling into them. Most of the houses have tube wells and hand pumps, so that women do not have to go far, but still it is not viable for women’s health.
About Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, their local journalists reported that in many tribal areas, people still rely on well water, which traditionally reflects the rainfall pattern: if it rains, the wells fill up, and if it doesn’t, they remain dry. Due to the prolonged decrease in rainfall, the wells in Khyber are now either dry or have very little water left, causing significant difficulties for the local population. Hazrat khan (local Person from Khyber) said that; ‘In other places people wake up in the morning to go to work, but in Khyber, people wake up early worrying about water. They have to travel to distant wells to fetch water for ablutions and to prepare breakfast for their children before they go to school in the morning.
In Orakzai, a region characterised by its rugged terrain and rich cultural tapestry, more than 60 percent of the population faces a pressing challenge: access to clean water. This issue is particularly acute for Afghan refugees living in camps, comprising a significant portion of those affected, reported local journalist of Orakzai and an Afghan refugee, named Umar Farooq. He further added that according to the culture, every day women with their minor children have to travel far, to fetch water from distant sources. Balancing two to three pots on their heads, they navigate the rocky paths with remarkable skill and resilience, a testament to their daily struggle for survival.
A similar plight befalls the residents of Shukhel area in the Hangu district, where the scarcity of water is compounded by the unforgiving landscape of the hilly terrain.
Women living in these areas often voice their struggles with the daily trek to distant water sources. They describe the physical strain of bending down to draw water from the well and the challenge of carrying heavy pots on their heads back home, all while managing their household responsibilities. They mention that even during pregnancy and menstruation, they are required to perform these tasks, which leads to discomfort and pain in their knees and back.
But we discovered another positive aspect of this issue which is that some women express that due to concerns about the reactions of their husbands or brothers, they refrain from visiting their friends’ homes. Instead, they seize the opportunity while fetching water from the well to convene with their friends, engaging in heartfelt conversations where they freely share their joys and sorrows. These moments offer a sanctuary for revealing secrets, fostering a profound sense of camaraderie. Upon reuniting on their journey back, they are uplifted by the bond they share, returning to their homes with hearts lightened and spirits lifted.
Due to strict tribal customs, these women are restricted from venturing outside the marketplace to purchase essential items such as clothing, jewelry, and even necessities required during menstruation. Consequently, they acquire these goods from elderly women at the wells, who engage in small-scale businesses selling such items to the women in need.
Many women assert that their spouses or brothers frequently assist them in fetching water from the well, yet such support is not commonplace. This collaboration not only lightens their burden but also fosters a sense of camaraderie within the household. However, this harmonious scenario is not ubiquitous, as some women must shoulder the arduous task alone, highlighting the disparities in societal roles and responsibilities.
We delineated the issue of water scarcity by juxtaposing its positive and negative facets. The underlying objective is lucid: these women necessitate both amenities and sufficient autonomy to visit friends and access markets in times of urgency, thereby enhancing the ease and pleasure in their lives. This would afford them a sense of independence and freedom, allowing them to breathe freely. The integration of such facilities would not only alleviate their burdens but also empower them to navigate their lives with dignity and self-sufficiency, ultimately fostering a more equitable and empowered community.
Various private and governmental entities are diligently endeavouring to address this pressing issue; however, its gravity demands heightened attention, dedicated time, and substantial investment. Only through concerted efforts can the plight of the affected populace be alleviated, ushering in a realm of greater ease and prosperity for those ensnared within its grasp.
The writer is our Editorial Assistant and a Peshawar-based journalist.
